THE ART OF HEALING

The guidance below reflects my professional recommendations and current industry best practices.

Proper aftercare is essential to protecting your tattoo and supporting a beautiful heal. To make aftercare simple, you’ll receive a curated aftercare kit with your appointment, including antibacterial soap and Hustle Butter moisturizing cream.

  • Please remember that a fresh tattoo is an open wound and typically takes 2–3 weeks to heal, depending on its size, style, and placement.

    Mild bruising, itching, plasma, light bleeding, and tenderness can be a normal part of the healing process. If you have any concerns, please contact me directly.

    ✦ If You Were Wrapped in Saran Wrap

    • Keep the wrap on until you're done with your day—no more than 6 hours.

    • Do not sleep in the wrap.

    • Once removed, follow the cleaning steps below.

    ✦ If You Were Wrapped in Recovery Derm Shield

    • Keep the wrap on for 24 hours to 5 days, depending on artist suggestion

    • Remove early if:

      • You see redness around the edges of the wrap.

      • Any sweat or liquid becomes trapped underneath.

      • The wrap begins to lift

    • It is possible to develop an allergy to Derm Shield over time, even in areas that tolerated it before.

    To remove Derm Shield (in the shower or over a sink):

    • Soak with warm water for several minutes.

    • Gently peel a corner and pull with the wrap, not against the skin.

    • Let water run between the wrap and your skin as you peel slowly.

    • Continue until fully removed.

    ✦ Cleaning

    • Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and an antibacterial liquid soap.

    • Remove any build-up of blood, plasma, or ink.

    • Do not use bar soap—it can harbor bacteria and irritate the tattoo.

    ✦ Drying

    • Allow your tattoo to dry completely.

    • Avoid contact with non-sterile surfaces.

    • Air drying is best, towels can harbor bacteria

    • Wash the tattoo 1–3 times daily with antibacterial, fragrance-free soap until fully healed (2-3 weeks).

    • Around day 3, when light flaking begins, apply a very thin layer of Hustle Butter or another unscented, gentle moisturizer after washing and drying. When it comes to moisturizing, less is more, please minimally moisturize.

    • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after your appointment.

    • Avoid sweating for 72 hours—especially for large, colored, or shaded tattoos.

    • No swimming, baths, or prolonged sun exposure until the tattoo is fully healed (2-3 weeks depending on placement and style).

    • No scratching, peeling, or picking. Let scabs flake off naturally, if the scab is ripped off pre-maturely it will take tattoo ink with it.

    • Avoid tight, abrasive clothing that rubs the tattoo. Friction can cause ink loss and delay healing. For feet and ankle tattoos please try to avoid high friction shoes.

    • Stay away from any products with alcohol, fragrance, or harsh chemicals.

  • ✦ Hand & Finger Tattoos

    • Please review the Hand & Finger Tattoo information

    • For the first week, wear gloves when cleaning, doing dishes, washing hair, or handling anything dirty.

    • Avoid hand sanitizer or other alcohol-based products on the area.

    • You will be able to notice if there is ink loss by 1-2 weeks after the appointment

    • Expect multiple touch ups to be necessary to maintain the tattoo integrity

    • A touch up is suggested within 2 months following the initial appointment

    ✦ Rib & Breast Tattoos

    • Avoid wearing bras or tight clothing that rub the tattoo for 2–3 weeks.

    • Friction can cause ink loss and delay healing.

    • If your job exposes you to dirt, bacteria, sweat, or harsh environments, consider using a Saline Wound Wash throughout the day to keep your tattoo clean.

    • Always be mindful of irritants like pet hair, dirty bedding, or cleaning products coming into contact with your healing tattoo.

    • Fine-line tattoos are more prone to require a touch-up due to the minimal amount of ink going into the skin

    • Healing results vary—your tattoo outcome depends on both your aftercare and your natural healing process. For best results please reach out with any questions or updates throughout the aftercare process.

    • Areas that commonly need touch-ups include:
      ✦ Fingers & Hands
      ✦ Necks & Behind Ears
      ✦ Ankles
      ✦ Knees
      ✦ Elbows
      ✦ Wrists

    • If your tattoo has unexpected fading or loses ink within three weeks of healing please reach out so we may address the touch up together.

    • If your tattoo needs a touch up:

      • Wait until the tattoo is fully healed before booking a touch-up.

      • The amount of time suggested to wait for your tattoo to heal prior to receiving a touch up will vary on style, sizing, placement, and healing

      • Touch-ups may slightly darken or thicken lines—this is normal.

      • Touch-up care is the same as the original tattoo.

    Use online booking to schedule your touch up. 

    • All tattoos will fade slightly and settle over time—this is completely normal.

    • Once healed, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen on your tattoo to protect it from UV damage.
      (Do not apply sunscreen until fully healed, typically about 2 weeks)

    • For long sun exposure, cover up the tattooed area when possible.

    • Keep your skin moisturized and gently exfoliated to help maintain color and clarity.

  • There is always a small risk of infection or allergic reaction with any tattoo. Your responsibility is to monitor your healing and follow proper aftercare.

    ✦ If you suspect an infection or allergic reaction:
    Seek medical help immediately. Your health comes first.

    ✦ Causes of infection may include:

    • Bacteria like staph and strep entering the tattooed area.

    • Contact with dirty clothing, pet hair, unwashed bedding, or unclean hands, or harsh environments.

    • Cleaning products accidentally contacting the tattoo.

    ✦ Potential allergic reactions may come from:

    • Tattoo ink

    • Second skin/Derm Shield wraps

    • Aftercare lotions or soaps

    Even if you’ve used a product before with no issue, reactions can develop over time or vary by body area. Be aware, and adjust as needed.